THANKSGIVING AND TESTIFYING

THANKSGIVING AND TESTIFYING

1. IT IS AN EXPRESSION OF FAITH: when you are yet to see the manifestation of your desires. Hebrew 11:1

2. IT IS AN AGENT OF PERFECTION OF THE BLESSING: when the blessing is not yet perfected. Luke 17:11-19

3. IT BRINGS SEAL FOR PERMANENCE: it makes the blessing irreversible provided the gratitude goes to God and the testimony is to honor God. Eccl 3:14

4. IT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR MORE BLESSINGS: Luke 17:11-19 

Note that all acts of God's goodness should be testified about in one form or the other. God deserves it! An exception is if God requires that the testimonies should not be mentioned at all.

RIGHT WAYS TO TESTIFY

- Sharing with people around you e.g. immediate friends, colleagues, family members etc.

- Writing to share with distant and unknown people e.g. tracts, newsletter, ordinary letter, social media etc.

- Audio/video recording to share with distant and unknown people.

- Sharing in a congregation of Christians. When doing this, it is good to prepare a thanksgiving offering such that you can afford.

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF NOT TESTIFYING TO GOD'S GOODNESS

1. It allows reversal
2. It allows doubt
3. It robs God of His glory
4. It denies the recipient the perfection of God's goodness.
5. It robs the congregation a source of confidence in the Lord.
6. It robs the potential listeners an opportunity to know the acts of God.
7. It disallows further testimony

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF TESTIFYING TO GOD'S GOODNESS

1. It brings permanence
2. It solidifies faith in the particular testimony.
3. God rejoices as you give him the glory
4. Your blessings becomes perfected
5. Congregation and brethren are encouraged. You become an encourager
6. The world learns more about God through you
7. You gain more testimonies

GOD APPROVED REASON FOR ANY TESTIMONY

1. To glorify God and God alone.
2. To strengthen and encourage others to trust in the Lord.
3. To showcase Christ's supreme power on earth.

WHAT TO DO DURING TESTIMONIES SHARING

1. Avoid exaggeration or lies. Say it the way it happens. However do not water it down or take any part of it for granted.
2. Avoid human worship or any act that makes the channel that God used to take the position of God. Use statement like, I give all glory to God... I thank God for His servant... This is the Lord's doing... etc.
3. Do not oppress others directly or indirectly with your testimonies.
4. When sharing before a congregation, keep to the time given to you and obey instructions

HOW TO CONTACT GRACE THROUGH TESTIMONIES OF OTHERS

1. Appreciate God for them and sincerely rejoice with them; do not be embittered! That will block your own testimonies.

2. If you have your own testimony, please keep the sharing for another moment. Praise God for and celebrate the current testifier first, then share your own later when opportunity is given.

3. Do not question their testimony unnecessarily because it sounds to good to believe. If it appears false, do not utter a word against it except you are very sure. However, if you know the testifier is telling lies or exaggerating, make your findings adequately, upon confirmation, disregard the testimony and the testifier. Let it be as if you never heard it. Do not go into open confrontation with the testifier except it is a must to put record straight, simply purge your mind and the congregation of the testimony. Remember, liars will be judged by God and not you.